STAYED TUNED FOR DATES OF THE

51st ANNUAL DENVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL!

DOWNTOWN DENVER | SAKURA SQUARE

Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork and wares won’t want to miss the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival – “Sakura Matsuri” in Japanese. It is held at Sakura Square in the heart of downtown Denver.

The festival celebrates the Japanese heritage and culture through live entertainment, food and drink, a marketplace and informative exhibits and demonstrations. Temple members add their special touch to the popular teriyaki chicken plate lunch and delicious Japanese sweets called manju. Adults can cool off with a refreshing craft beer or, for a real Japanese experience, try the sake – Kampai (“Cheers”)!

Our fine selections in the Japanese-themed marketplace will have you browsing through jewelry, anime, pottery, fine art, apparel and more. The marketplace will include informational booths representing Japanese and Japanese American organizations which are so vital to our community.

Sogetsu Ikebana will be displayed under the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple

The Denver Cherry Blossom Festival is the largest fundraiser for the operations and programs of both the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple and Sakura Foundation, and relies on the volunteer efforts of Temple members, JA community members, and the general public alike. We invite you to volunteer your time to the festival. Please submit the volunteer form to sign up today!

Check this site often for updated details on the festival, including marketplace vendors and live performances on the outdoor stage! Like us on Facebook to get the latest updates and share your excitement for the Cherry Blossom Festival!

Sogetsu Ikebana will be displayed under the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple this year!  Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging, so come check out the beautiful displays and learn more about one of the largest schools of ikebana.

ADMISSION IS FREE!

“I go to the Cherry Blossom Festival every year to check out the marketplace vendors.  They have Japanese items that you can’t find anywhere else in Denver!”

Jolene B.

2025 marks the 51st year

of the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival

at Sakura Square!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have other questions about the festival please call Sakura Foundation at 303.951.4486 or email us at [email protected] with “DCBF” in the subject line.

The Denver Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square is the only outdoor festival in the Rocky Mountain region which exclusively features Japanese and Japanese American culture through music, dance, exhibits, arts and crafts and food.

Entry into the festival is FREE and open to the public.  Food and merchandise may be purchased with cash or credit card, depending on the vendor.

Food and merchandise booths operated by the Temple accept credit cards.

ATM cash machines are available in the Marketplace on Larimer Street and inside the Temple gym.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is located at Sakura Square in downtown Denver:  1255 19th Street.  The Marketplace is located on Lawrence Street between 19th and 20th Streets.  The Live Stage is in the parking lot between the Temple and Pacific Mercantile.  Food can be purchased in the Marketplace on Lawrence Street and inside the Temple at 1947 Lawrence Street.  Dining areas are all outside.  You can eat in the Stage Area or under the Temple (enter from 20th Street).

Street parking downtown is available per city meters; meters are free of charge on Sunday. There are several public lots within walking distance of Sakura Square.

Parking in the Sakura Square garage and on the north side of 19th Street will be CLOSED to the public. These areas are reserved for entertainers and marketplace vendors only. Thank you for your cooperation.

Light rail, car-pooling with friends/relatives, and ride sharing are alternatives to driving to the festival. 

Handy links for your transportation options:

RTD Light rail:   https://www.rtd-denver.com/lightrail.shtml

Uber:  https://www.uber.com/

Lyft:  https://www.lyft.com

Because we are concerned for the welfare of your pets, we highly discourage you from bringing them to the festival.  The pavement is very hot in June and tends to damage the paws of your furry friends.

Typically the weather is hot and dry for the festival.  Please be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated, especially if you are not from the area.  We have had a few occasions of high winds and brief rain showers in the past.  Please check a weather app or 9News.com for weather information closer to the date of the festival, which will be held – rain or shine!

While there are no live cherry blossom trees in urban downtown Denver, you will see many replicas of the beautiful trees on the live performance stage and throughout the festival marketplace.

Please “like” our Facebook page by searching “Denver Cherry Blossom Festival” and re-visit this website for updates.